How do I Hook Up An RV?

The biggest question or any newbie is, how to hook up your RV. And while there is no "correct" answer to that query, the most important thing is to develop a routine and an awareness. Not only will this help ensure no steps are forgotten, it also helps prevent contamination, avoids electrical shocks, and keeps your feet dry.

Now let's dive in to some great tips on how to hook up your vehicle. 

Before You Set Up

Before backing into a  campsite and leveling your rig check the site's electrical outlets for polarity and voltage, the water's clarity and aroma, as well as the sewer inlet's opening to be sure it is clear of any rocks, cans, and debris.

While you are there, rinse off the vehicle's water source and spray it with a household disinfectant. You never know what the previous occupant, or their pooch, have left behind. By the time you have finished backing and leveling your rig, the disinfectant should have accomplished its purpose.

RV Hook Up At Campsite

Once your rig is in position and leveled, you can go through your hookup routine. Just follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth set up.

1. First, plug in the electrical cord, ensuring your hands and the ground are dry. Turn off the breaker switch before inserting or removing the RVs electrical plug. This will prevent shocks and avoid damage to the plug prongs.
2. Then attach a water pressure regulator to the water source so it can protect both the drinking water hose and the RVs plumbing from sudden surges in water pressure. A water filter (to remove sediment) is next, followed by the drinking water hose. Run water through the hose to remove the air then attach the hose to the RV connection.

By the way, all of the water hose connections can be made quickly and easily with the use of "quick-connect" fittings on both ends of the water-pressure regulator, water filter, and water hose. These handy fittings can be found at specialty RV accessory shops and hardware stores where water hoses are displayed.

Save Sewer Hookups for Last

Once the hose is connected, double check to be sure the sewer hose is properly secured to both the RV and the sewer inlet. Wearing disposable polyethylene gloves when handling the sewer hose is always a good idea; they are inexpensive and can be thrown away after use. Disposable, latex surgical gloves can also be used depending on your personal preference. And always wash your hands with antibacterial soap immediately after handling the sewer hose.

The gray water valve may be opened after the sewer hose is connected. The black water valve, however, should remain closed until you are ready to dump the holding tanks. This assures a buildup of liquid in the black water tank. The more liquid in the tank the better the flushing action will be when the valve is opened.

A day or so before dumping the black water, close the gray water valve. The captured gray water can be used to rinse the sewer hose after you dump the black water tank.

Dumping the Holding Tanks

Dumping the holding tanks is pretty straight forward. Black water is dumped first, then the valve closed and the gray water is dumped. The gray water does a good job of rinsing the black water out of the sewer hose. Lifting the RV end of the hose drains the remaining water into the resorts sewer inlet.

After closing both the gray and black water valves, the RVs sewer outlet is capped and the sewer hose is stored in the specified compartment. Run the kitchen faucet (using the rig's water pump) to add a couple gallons of water to the gray water tank. Use a two-gallon bucket to pour a few gallons of water through the toilet bowl and into the black water tank. This will prevent any solids from turning into a low-grade cement at the bottom of the tanks. This is also the time you would pour any additives into the holding tank.

Disconnect in the same order you hooked up. Unhook the electrical first, water next, then sewer last.

The drinking water hose and fixtures should be stored in a compartment separate from the sewer hose and its attachments. Both ends of the drinking-water hose can be connected together to keep moisture in and critters out.

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Related Articles:

• Camping for the First Time? Make Your Stay A Success
• Keeping Your RV on the Level